HC Deb 07 July 1913 vol 55 cc16-7
32. Mr. KING

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Heinrich Grosse, a convict in Parkhurst Prison, was reported in April as suffering with symptoms of Bright's disease of recent development, and that in June he was reported as suffering from chronic kidney disease; and whether, in view of his declining state of health and the prospect that unless released shortly his health will be permanently injured, the consideration of a remission of sentence will be entertained?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)

I have received from time to time full reports from the medical officer of the prison as to Grosse's condition of health. The convict is suffering from kidney disease which originated prior to his conviction and has not, up to the present, been aggravated by his imprisonment. I do not find any sufficient ground to justify interference with the sentence. The convict's health will receive all necessary care and attention in prison.

Mr. KING

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether he can deal with this case under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge) Ill-Health Act?

Mr. McKENNA

No. If my hon. Friend will read that Act he will see why it would not apply in the present case.

33. Mr. KING

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Heinrich Grosse, a convict in Parkhurst Prison for espionage, has received a certificate of captain in the German merchant service so as to entitle him to the position of officer in the naval reserve, and that he holds the rank in Germany of councillor to His Highness Duke Borwin of Mecklenburg-Schwerin; whether these facts were communicated to the Foreign Office before a decision was taken as to his release; and whether, in view of all the circumstances as now known, this convict will obtain a remission of his sentence?

Mr. McKENNA

The statements mentioned in my hon. Friend's question are made in a letter from a friend of the prisoner, which I received on 30th June; but whether correct or incorrect, they do not affect the facts stated in my answer of 26th June, or the decision in the case.

Mr. KING

Would the right hon. Gentleman like to have the evidence, which I have in my possession, proving that the statements are quite correct?

Mr. McKENNA

My hon. Friend has been good enough to speak to me on the subject, and I accept his statements, but, accepting them as I do, they do not, in my judgment., affect the decision I came to.

Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIEN

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the release of this man would be a gracious return for the recent release of two British prisoners by the German Emperor?

Mr. McKENNA

If we did think so we should certainly release the man, but we have reason to think that that is not the case.